Use proper mailers. LPs and maxi-singles should always be shipped in a sturdy, cardboard mailer (with cardboard inserts) specifically designed for shipping 12-inch records. The length and width of the mailer should both be between 12 1/2 to 13 inches. The height or thickness will depend on the number of discs being shipped. When packing an
LP, follow these steps:
Place at least one 12" x 12" cardboard insert into the bottom of the mailer box.
Remove the disc (keeping it in its inner sleeve) from the LP jacket and place it next to the jacket in the box. If you have a plastic LP outer cover, place the jacket in the cover, with the disc beside it. This step is very important as it will prevent potential seam splits to the album jacket that may occur from the disc sliding back and
forth during transit. (With a sealed LP, you obviously will not remove the disc from the jacket, but you will want to ensure that enough cardboard inserts are placed around the album in order to prevent the disc from sliding back and forth inside its sealed jacket.)
Place at least one cardboard insert on top of the LP jacket.
Close the box and test for snugness. If there is any sliding around of the box contents, insert additional cardboard inserts until all is snug and tight
Don't forget cushioning. For the record to arrive safe and sound, it is imperative that the box contents be securely cushioned with no movement ability!
Once a snug fit is achieved, close the box and tape the back and sides with packing tape.
Packing 78s, Homemade Records
Use proper mailers. With 78s, the same care, if not more, should be given as in packing LPs. 10-inch 78 rpm records are made of shellac, which is more brittle than vinyl. In addition, unlike LPs, most 78s were not issued with cardboard outer jackets, but only paper sleeves. Therefore, when packing a 78 rpm record, one should follow the steps above in
packing
an LP, with these exceptions: The mailer box will be smaller. The length and width of the mailer should both be between 10 1/4 to 10 1/2 inches.
Place at least one cardboard insert. Each disc should be individually separated by a cardboard insert. In my opinion, further cushioning with bubble wrap can only help to prevent against damage.
Don't forget cushioning. Again, a well cushioned and snug fit is of utmost importance!
Packing 45s
Use proper mailers. With 45s or 7-inch singles, the same protocol holds as in packing LPs. You'll want to use a sturdy, cardboard mailer (with cardboard inserts) specifically designed for shipping 7-inch records.
The length and width of the mailer should both be between 7 1/2 to 7 3/4 inches. The height or thickness will depend on the number of discs being shipped. For 7-inch singles with picture sleeves, you'll want to remove the disc from the picture sleeve and place it in a paper sleeve next to picture sleeve.
Doing this will help to ensure that the picture sleeve arrives to the customer free of seam splits. This step is important, as the original picture sleeves of many 45s are worth more than the records.
